10 Things to Do in Gainesville That You Shouldn't Miss

November 25, 2017 Darwin Bolte

Home to the University of Florida, the largest and oldest university in the state, as well as the Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville is a hub of education and culture. Perhaps due to its strong student population, the city is also at the heart of independent music in Florida, having produced numerous musical acts from a variety of genres. The natural surroundings, including parks, lakes and the adjacent Paynes Prairie State Reserve provide a green getaway from the bustle of city life.
Restaurants in Gainesville

1. Butterfly Rainforest

3215 Hull Rd, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, FL 32611-2710 +1 352-846-2000
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 983 reviews

Butterfly Rainforest

Reviewed By Linda C - Gainesville, Florida, United States

The university has a terrific place here. I took my sister and husband and we saw some very beautiful butterflies. Took video. I would recommend bringing people here if you are trying to recruit them. They will be totally impressed.Hi Linda C, Thanks for your review, compliment and suggestion. We of course agree, and hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, Paul R.

2. Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

8528 E County Road 225, Gainesville, FL 32609-4324 +1 352-468-2827
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 134 reviews

Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

Not for profit exotic animal rescue and endangered species animal park and breeding center. Large beautiful nature park with 28 species, over 75 animals including big cat feeding demonstrations.

Reviewed By Gary U - Ocala, Florida, United States

Took the OTOW ShutterBug's Photography Club here to see the Big Cats. A wonderful Docent led tour lasting about two hours plus. Every question answered, Our guide - Hannah - was delightful the entire time. Saw lots of animals, along with birds, a rhino leopards, warthogs, etc. Well worth the price of admission.

3. Florida Museum of Natural History

3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611-2062 +1 352-846-2000
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 793 reviews

Florida Museum of Natural History

Native American and natural history exhibits in this museum at the University of Florida.

Reviewed By corvus0486 - Gainesville, Florida

As a group leader for 14 seniors, I was impressed with the depth of knowledge and passion of the docents interpreting the cultural and natural history of Florida. The exhibits are extraordinarily well designed and appropriately interactive. One needs to visit more than once to...MoreHi corvus0486, Thank you for the review and kind words about our dedicated docents. I have already shared your comments with our Volunteer Coordinator! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon. Kind regards, Paul Ramey

4. Sweetwater Wetlands Park

325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601-9046 +1 352-393-8520
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Reviewed By YetiStuff - Jacksonville, Florida

This is a great place to see a lot of wildlife! We saw gators, birds, turtles, fish, and even a snake down in the water. The boardwalks and gravel trails are well kept. A perfect place to see a lot of Florida’s wildlife in one convenient place. We would definitely go back.

5. Paynes Prairie

Gainesville, FL +1 352-466-3397
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 394 reviews

Paynes Prairie

Nature area with woods and swamp as well as an information center describing the wildlife in the area.

Reviewed By corvus0486 - Gainesville, Florida

The Payne’s Prairie State Preserve is one of the most outstanding natural areas of north Florida. It is known for its massive flicks of migratory Sandhill Cranes, loafing American Alligators, small herds of Wood Buffalo and wild horses all reminiscent of the period of William Bartram’s journey through north Florida. The State Park is also the site of Alachua Sink, a portal the region’s prime ground water and valued source of water supply.
The Prairie is an outstanding resource for birdwatching and general nature enjoyment from dawn to dusk. Highly recommended.

6. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art

SW 34th St and Hull RD, Gainesville, FL 32611-0001 +1 352-392-9826
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 207 reviews

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art

Reviewed By ARodriguezP - Miami, Florida

After spending time at the Florida Natural History Museum next door our time was a bit limited so we rushed through to at least get a look at their art collection.
For those who like modern art and photography this museum should be most attractive. We found their Asian and African exhibits very interesting though not particularly extensive. One nice touch were the two small gardens,one Zen and the other a more familiar Japanese style garden with plants,artfully arranged stones and a water feature. I would definitely return with a little more time to fully appreciate this somewhat eclectic art collection.

7. Swamp Head Brewery

3650 SW 42nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608-2598 +1 352-505-3035
Excellent
66%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Swamp Head Brewery

Founded in 2008, upon the foundation of our great state, we raised our roof to brew world-class beers and establish ourselves as Florida’s brewery. Having travelled through lands far and close, and finding inspiration along the way, we are proud to be here, proud to be Inherently Floridian.

Reviewed By travelmakesUrich - Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Standing room only when the weather's not nice, too - again, because of the crowds. Beer drinkers and their kids, their dogs - they're all here! As you turn into the street where the brewery's on your right, if you turn left instead there's a parking lot for assorted businesses over there, and that parking lot's much bigger and will accommodate those of you (like us) who couldn't find parking in the brewery's lot.

8. University of Florida

W University AVE, Gainesville, FL 32601 +1 352-392-2959
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

University of Florida

The University of Florida is THE Flagship Institution in Florida’s large system of #HigherEducation.

Reviewed By nabeab - Miami

Everytime I vidit Gainsville I am amazed at the beauty of this campus, huge place with beautiful walking trails and nice spots to sit and enjoy. This time we enjoyed lake Lucy, beautiful! Wevwalked around for about 45 minutes.

9. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Stadium RD, Gainesville, FL 32611-2051 +1 352-392-3261
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 227 reviews

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Reviewed By mealybug - Wilmington, Delaware

Tim Tebow, Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel , Heisman trophy winners and Spurrier most winningest coach of all time!
Enter the swamp by the bull gator entrance.
During a game, 91,000+ produces such energy. Nothing like it.
Obviously, I ❤️ the Florida Gators especially Tim Tebow and Steve Spurrier.
Walk around the campus.
Students are friendly and beautiful campus.

10. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606-6210 +1 352-395-5601
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 199 reviews

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo houses 70 species, and 250 individual animals in its collection, including white handed gibbons, red ruffed lemurs, ocelots, bald eagles, Galapagos tortoises, African grey parrots, and Matschie’s tree kangaroo. Days Open: Monday - Sunday 9am – 2pm. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is Gainesville’s community zoo and the training facility for the Zoo Animal Technology Program. Situated on 10 forested acres, students in the Zoo Animal Technology Program provide daily care for the animals as well as tours of the zoo grounds. The personalized tours are designed to give visitors a more educational and enjoyable experience and to give zoo students more experience working with guests.

Reviewed By acphifer - Athens, Pennsylvania

We visited this zoo last month. It is small and well shaded. There are not a lot of animals, but seems perfect for smaller children. Nice place to spend a quiet hour.

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